Overview
Regional Journey
4 - 4.5 Star
Premium
5-99 Years
40
Fully Guided
Itinerary
Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner in a local restaurant and enjoy an evening of typical madrileño flavours. (D) Stay: Barceló Torre de Madrid, Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid
Guided by your Local Expert, visit the Spanish capital's most historic neighbourhoods. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter, discovering the origins of the city. Enjoy a special visit to the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who will guide you through the collective works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more. (B)
Continue your 15-day Spain and Portugal itinerary with a visit to the fortified city of Segovia. Walk through the medieval streets with a Local Expert and see the magnificent Alcazar fortress, before continuing to the historic aqueduct. Journey west, overlooking the ancient walls of Ávila, en route to Salamanca. During your guided sightseeing tour of Salamanca, admire the golden stone buildings the city is famous for, including the arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-coloured cathedral and the 16th century university buildings. (B) Stay: Alameda Palace, Salamanca
Cross the Portuguese border to reach Porto. Situated on the River Douro, the city is celebrated internationally as the capital of Port wine. Visit the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores and walk along corridors of casks. Get to know your tawnys and vintages during a tasting.
Continue your exploration of the city, admiring the multi-coloured houses, churches adorned with glazed tiles and iconic bridges. (B/D) Stay: NH Collection Porto Batalha
Continue to Fátima, Portugal's most renowned place of pilgrimage. Journey to the fortified town of Óbidos and walk within its walls, exploring the narrow, medieval streets where you can stop for a tasting of locally made cherry liqueur. Your guided tour of Spain and Portugal continues to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. (B) Stay: TURIM Marquês, Lisbon
Sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and around the Pombal Square. Visit the Belém Quarter, whence sailing ships set forth to explore uncharted ocean and land. Enjoy a taste of the famous Pastéis de Belém from a traditional patisserie that has upheld the secret recipe of Portugal's finest pastry for almost 200 years. View the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the historic Belém Tower. Visit the National Coach Museum, featuring one of the most prominent horse-drawn carriage collections in the world.
With the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Portuguese Riviera, frequented by surfers, royalty and, on occasion, James Bond. (B)
Leave Lisbon via the modern Tagus Bridge and cross the border to reach Seville. Visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus, and explore Seville with Insight Choice. You can choose to embark on a guided walk through the Santa Cruz Quarter, or join a scenic drive around the city to enjoy panoramic views. (B) Stay: NH Collection Sevilla, Seville
Enjoy a relaxed start and a morning to unwind, shop or continue exploring this fascinating city at your own pace. Our suggestion is to join an Optional Experience to the ancient city of Córdoba, where you will visit the magnificent Mezquita, see the old Jewish Quarter, and enjoy some free time to shop or explore as you wish.
Later this afternoon, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school and beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Their mission is to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson. (B)
Head south to Gibraltar, part of mainland Spain yet an overseas territory under British control since 1704. With your Local Expert, visit the Rock of Gibraltar and St. Michael's Cave. Relax as you travel the scenic route along the Costa del Sol through high end resorts where the rich and famous holiday, taking in the views of the coast. (B) Stay: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos
Enjoy the day at leisure on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. Relax by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade, savour the specialities in the local restaurants or consider exploring Málaga, the birth city of Picasso. (B/D)
Continue to Alfarnatejo, a quiet whitewashed village, with a population of less than 500 people, surrounded by stunning mountainous landscape. Walk the town centre to see the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla. Travel to the oldest olive grove in the region and stop at the rural mill-factory to taste a selection of different oils, paired with locally made farmer bread. In small groups, you are invited into the home of a local family to join them for a delicious lunch made of fresh, local produce with flavours typical of the region.
Continue to Granada to visit the magnificent Alhambra Palace with your Local Expert. Built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century, it is a wonder of beautiful gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. (B/L) Stay: Vincci Albayzín, Granada, Barceló Carmen, Granada
Journey to Valencia. Pass through the Old City to see its ancient gates, and the City of Arts and Sciences. In your free time perhaps take a stroll to the Cathedral and El Miguelete? Alternatively sit back with a drink and watch the Valencians go about their day. Valencia is home to one of the world's greatest dishes, paella. Meet the chef of a local family-run restaurant in the heart of the Old City and learn how to make this local specialty during a Cooking Demonstration.
Later, indulge in the delicious flavours of this classic dish at dinner. (B/D) Stay: Barceló Valencia
Follow the coast to Peñíscola to view the sea-lapped castle used in the film 'El Cid'. Continue along the Costa Dorada to the Cava Bodegas at Sant Sadurni d'Anoia. During a delicious light lunch, enjoy a tasting as you learn the sparkling secrets of Spanish bubbly. Continue along the coast to reach Barcelona. (B/L) Stay: Meliá Sarrià, Barcelona, Labtwentytwo, Barcelona
A Local Expert joins you for a drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to visit Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família*. See the central nave with its giant, tree-like pillars, spectacular vaulting and the beautiful rainbows flooding in through the intricate stained-glass windows. At a local restaurant, join your fellow travellers for dinner to toast to newfound friends and a two-week in-depth exploration of the Iberian Peninsula.
*Please note that with the construction of the Sagrada Família nearing completion, access to the basilica may be restricted for special masses, pilgrim visits or official ceremonies, and we are unable to secure tickets to visit. Should this occur during your tour, you will visit the Hospital de Sant Pau instead, a striking example of Catalan Art Nouveau designed by Gaudí's contemporary, Domènech i Montaner.
Afterwards, join your Local Expert in the gardens surrounding the Sagrada Família and take in the extraordinary exterior of Gaudí's iconic masterpiece. (B/D)
Today, bid farewell to your journey across Spain and Portugal as you transfer to the airport. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
- Segovia: Visit the medieval streets of this fortified city to see the 14th-century Alcazar Palace and extensive Roman aqueduct.
- Salamanca: See the handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-coloured cathedral and the 16th century university buildings as you explore the city with your Local Expert.
- Porto: See the iconic bridges and buildings decorated in tiles.
- Obidos: Lead by your Travel Director, walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.
- Fátima: Led by your Travel Director, explore the pilgrimage site that attracts nearly seven million faithful visitors every year.
- Lisbon: Journey through Lisbon with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town to the Belém Quarter. See the Belém Tower and Monument to the Discoveries, built to honour explorers who set sail during Portugal's Golden Age of Discovery.
- Lisbon: Step back in time and explore one of the world's finest collections of traditional horse-drawn carriages. Once the exclusive domain of kings, queens, and nobility, these magnificent vehicles were more than just modes of transport—they were symbols of power, prestige, and artistry. Each carriage has a unique story to tell, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of elegance and grandeur.
- Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
- Gibraltar: With your Local Expert, explore the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the pillars of Hercules, affording magnificent views and see the meeting of the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Spanish Sierra. Visit St. Michael's Cave and see the Barbary Apes.
- Alfarnatejo: Visit the beautiful, quiet town and walk the town centre.
- Granada: Explore 'The City of the Pomegranate' with a Local Expert. During sightseeing you'll see the icons dedicated to this fruit throughout the city.
- Valencia: See the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.
- Peñíscola: See the seaside castle, former papal palace and filming location for the film El Cid'.
- Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudí's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
- Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.
- Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with a Local Expert and hear how the Jewish community has shaped the city's history.
- Seville: See the city's top sights on a panoramic tour with your Local Expert.
- Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain's cultural heritage. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 11: Quality Education & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Madrid: Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.
- Vila Nova de Gaia: Sample a selection of world renowned Port wines during a tour and tasting in the city's historic wine cellars.
- Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese custard tart, Pastéis de Belém, made in a 19th century bakery with the original secret recipe.
- Torremolinos: Taste a selection of freshly pressed olive oils with locally made farmer bread when you stop at Almazara, the oldest olive grove in the region.
- Alfarnatejo: Join a local family for a Dine-at-Home lunch featuring traditional recipes. Learn about regional customs and culture through your hosts' warm hospitality and lively conversation.
- Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a cooking demonstration. Savour the flavours of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during dinner.
- Barcelona: Join a wine expert when you visit Cava Dorada. Enjoy a tasting at the great Cava vineyards during your delicious Highlight Lunch.
- Barcelona: At a typical Catalan restaurant, savour a delicious Celebration Dinner that incorporates classic cooking with the freshest produce.
- Dining Summary: 5 Dinners (D), 14 Breakfasts (B), 2 Lunches (L)
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Operator
Why are we different to any other operator? It’s our unique Insight experiences. It’s our authentic and varied dining options, it’s t moreravelling in smaller groups on customised coaches with twice the legroom, it’s staying in the right hotels in the right location, all brought together seamlessly by our exceptional travel directors. In essence: All the sights, and the insights….up close and personal…in comfort and style.
Travel is such a joy and a personal passion for myself and every member of our team. We’re so proud of the quality, service and value we provide and invite you to try it for yourself. Talk to Global Journeys to find out more about travelling in style and booking your next holiday with Insight Vacations.
Trip Reviews (32)
All cities chosen for stop-overs were good and provided variety. However, I would have preferred less time on the Costa del Sol and more time in Valencia. Some of the optional tours were disappointing and those that provided meals, these were disappointing. The travel directors are very knowledgeable as are the city guides. However, it would be helpful to receive written summaries of the background information, such as key historical dates. Overall this was a worthwhile tour and I would recommend it to others.
I did most of the optional extras and enjoyed them, although it meant missing free time to wander or just have a rest. In my opinion, the tour to Cordoba is a must, even though extra time in Seville would have been enjoyed also. If you do not choose to do the optional dinner followed by a horse and carriage ride which finishes in the beautiful Plaza de Espana, Seville, I recommend you visit this magnificent Plaza on your own. It would be preferable to have a visit to this Plaza in the included sightseeing.
Our vivacious Tour Director, Tania, enhanced our enjoyment of the tour with her caring nature, great organisation and good historical comments. The coach was very comfortable with good Wifi, and our cheerful and skilled driver Filipe looked after the coach, and us, very well. Accommodation was mostly very good, although in a couple of places a more central location would have been appreciated.
My booking through Global Journeys went smoothly, and I will use them again. Thanks to Yvonne for keeping me informed, and obtaining my documents earlier since I left Australia some time before the tour started.
We thought all the accommodation was of a very high standard and in good locations, perhaps Madrid was a bit out of the city but public transport was within a few minutes walk. We didn’t do a lot of the optional experiences and were surprised that a lot of our fellow travellers just booked them all before leaving home, some were good value and some not. The optional dinners while a bit expensive but the fun we had with our fellow travellers made up for it, especially the dinner in Lisbon with a horse and carriage ride, it was priceless.
All in all a great holiday with a fun group of people from several countries. Would definitely do Insight again.
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Insight Vacations Worldwide (2025-26)
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